Space Music 41

 

Alabaster DePlume - To Cy & Lee; Instrumentals Vol. 1 (IA11 Edition), album review

Simply Soothing

These are melodic, atmospheric instrumentals, some with the tentative and gentle saxophone caressing its singular mood, other contributions include a broad addition of sounds, from electronics, to simple percussion and some specific traditions, to flute and violin, and wordless vocal (it is a significant cast list which I will copy here from the Bandcamp page.

At times the tone is sonorous and soothing (as with Whisky Story Time) - it is always quite peaceful - and there is usually a signature warble dancing within the playing

I don't know De Plume as a performance poet, but will persue this. I also rely on what is provided through online details, and I was interested to read he was an activist working with a Manchester charity 'Ordinary Lifestyles'. He helped people there to become more comfortable with self-expression through creative activities, especially music. Two of those who benefitted were Cy and Lee who are namechecked for the album title.

Performed by Alabaster DePlume – vocal, tenor sax, guitar; Ríoghnach Connolly – voice, flute; Jess Connor – voice; Ellis Davies – electric guitar; John Ellis – pianette, clavinette, piano; Jessica Macdonald – cello; Hannah Miller – cello; Bi Roxby – voice; Paddy Steer – percussion, bass pedals; Leon Boydon – acoustic guitar; Daniel Inzani – piano; Beth Porter – cello; Lorenzo Prati – tenor sax; Dan Truen – drums; Will Calderbank – cello; Lorien Edwards – bass guitar; Philip Howley – drums, percussion; Mikey Kenney – violin; Pascal Makonese – m’bira; Kirsty McGee – bass flute; Tim Vincent Smith – violin; Rick Weedon – drums, percussion; Chestnutt – synth; Danalogue – piano, voice; James Howard – electric guitar; Sarathy Korwar – drums; Donna Thompson – voice. 

These instrumentals are collected from recordings across 2012-2019, and a few newer tunes, I think. For more information and to purchase, go here: https://intlanthem.bandcamp.com/album/to-cy-lee-instrumentals-vol-1-ia11-edition

 

Eye Music 68

 

The Sha La Das - Your Picture, album review

Tight Harmony and Melodic Underscoring

This is a delightful father and three sons second album of doo wop, soul and psyche pop - all informed by the persistence of tight harmony and melodic underscoring. Always sounding familiar, it never sounds pastiche. The Stylistics are my touchstone's echo in the listening, sans the falsetto. Fuzz guitar in the catchy if brisk closer Gonna Catch You is a blast of summer breeze.